Which sentence correctly states the relationship between the federal and the state judiciaries? Federal courts can overrule any state court in its interpretation of the law. The two always operate separately, and neither system ever interferes with the other’s decisions. All state courts are trial courts, and all federal courts are appeals courts. State courts have original jurisdiction in civil cases, and federal courts have original jurisdiction in criminal cases. The two generally operate separately, although federal courts may overrule state court decisions that violate the US Constitution